Wednesday, April 16th, 2014

The 2014 draft class of inside linebackers looks to be about par for the course. A variety of skill sets with an overall lack of quality at the bottom of the rankings is what I have come to expect from the position, and this year appears to be no different.

Alabama’s C.J. Mosley is far and away the premier talent of this group and will be on everyone’s early list for 2014 defensive rookie of the year. Depending on what teams are looking for, players with starter upside could be had throughout the first four rounds.

An average of 11 inside linebackers have been drafted each year over the past five drafts. I have graded 16 prospects as draftable this year.

Monday, February 24th, 2014

Monday’s on-field portion of the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine featured the draft’s best defensive line and linebacker prospects as the depth of the draft continued to prove itself in workouts. While no prospect was able to officially record a sub-4.5 second 40-yard dash, there was plenty of speed and athleticism on display alongside a few disappointments.

Thursday, January 9th, 2014

Florida State won the final BCS National Championship Game, 34-31, rallying back from an early 21-3 Auburn lead to win the game on a two-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin with just 13 seconds remaining in the game.

Led by athletes such as Benjamin and Auburn running back Tre Mason, who made a big play of his own when he scored a go-ahead, 37-yard touchdown for the Tigers with just 1:19 remaining in the game, both teams have a number of potential early-round NFL draft prospects.

Monday, January 6th, 2014

As you would expect when the two best teams in college football play for a title, there will be no shortage of NFL talent on the field when Florida State (13-0) plays Auburn (12-1) in Monday’s BCS National Championship Game (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

While Heisman Trophy-winning Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is not eligible for the 2014 NFL draft as he is only a redshirt freshman, the case could be made that every player in Florida State’s starting lineup has NFL potential, many of whom are seniors or potential early-round picks if they declare.

Auburn does not have as much talent headed to the upcoming draft as the Seminoles do, but they have had a number of breakout stars this year whose draft stocks have soared as the Tigers have re-emerged as a championship contender.

Saturday, December 7th, 2013

The senior outside linebacker class rivals offensive tackle in terms of having the most potential for first-round draft picks. Any of the top four would be valid first-round picks, while there are plenty of guys who are solid Day 2 selections.

There are several unique skill sets among the class. Whether a 3-4 defense is looking for a pass-rusher off the edge, or a 4-3 defense is looking for a rangy player, there are players who can help in this group.